Recap by phillip woo

Castle Hero travelled nicely in second in the centre of the course, worked to the lead while at the 300m and drew away like a favourite should for a nice second-up win off a positive trial. He has got ability and will have more winning to come. D Day Super mustered quickly to lead from gate 10, set a steady pace and kept on well when headed to easily hold second in an encouraging return with a gear change to side winkers and crossed nose band. He seems to like the straight course. Island Spring settled around midfield, before moving up on the outside of the favourite Castle Hero at the 600m and stayed on well. Grey Whizz travelled behind midfield and three-off the outside fence and ran on well. My Melody was handy in the run and kept on evenly. Plunged late, Regency Champion was posted near the speed and closest the grandstand side, despite copping a bump at the jump, was pushed hard at the 400m and kept on one-paced. Genuine Leader only held his ground when push came to shove. Country Charm was badly held up and was unlucky.

GENUINE LEADER, DARS AUTO and MASTER RACER were slow to begin.

After the 600 Metres, GENUINE LEADER and ISLAND SPRING were crowded for room between GLORY WIN which shifted in and CASTLE HERO which lay out after being bumped on the hindquarters by ISLAND SPRING.

After the 400 Metres, ISLAND SPRING got its head on the side and hung in.

Near the 350 Metres, MASTER RACER, which had been held up for clear running, was shifted in across the heels of VITAL SMART which had its head on the side and was laying out.

When questioned, T Angland (COUNTRY CHARM) said that after the 600 Metres he rode his mount along aggressively to obtain a position behind D DAY SUPER and between MY MELODY and REGENCY CHAMPION.

He said at this time MY MELODY shifted out which initially crowded the racing room available for COUNTRY CHARM.

He said after this COUNTRY CHARM was reluctant to improve in between MY MELODY and REGENCY CHAMPION which was also shifting ground inwards gradually approaching and passing the 400 Metres.

He added that as COUNTRY CHARM was positioned inside the heels of REGENCY CHAMPION, he was not initially able to shift COUNTRY CHARM directly to the outside of that horse's heels.

He said when it became available to shift to the outside of REGENCY CHAMPION, DARS AUTO had improved its position to his outside and he was not able to shift ground without causing interference to that horse.

He said because of this COUNTRY CHARM was not able to be tested at any time over about the final 400 Metres.

T Angland was told his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever circumstances permit, make every endeavour to afford his mounts clear and uninterrupted running should the opportunity present itself.

A veterinary inspection of COUNTRY CHARM and VITAL SMART after the race did not show any significant findings.